Hokum brings us into the world of the supernatural in rural Ireland. With a healthy budget and solid cast the technical aspects are spot on. What we really focus on in this episode is the writing and storytelling techniques through the lens. It was a fun horror to watch, and one of the very few that actually hit on our creepiness meter. Adam Scott is brilliant as a complete asshole who follows his own version of a Hero’s Journey. Strong performances by tertiary characters that leave an indelible impression on the viewer raise the level substantially. We also focus on the lack of backstory of the big bad. It was not needed, we did not get it, and the movie is all the better for it. Too many horror films, especially supernatural-based ones, bore us with details that make no difference whatsoever in the course of the film. In fact it can detract from it, which we discuss.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:44:32 — 95.7MB)

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Wrymrood: Apocalypse is the sequel to Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead, which we covered some time back. Another indie film with fantastic lessons. We talk about the technical aspects that are fantastic, though we focus on the writing. Wyrmwood: Apocalypse is a great example of how you can ramp up a horror movie with some fun. Performances are excellent, particularly those that lean heavily into the campiness of their character. With a bit broader room for sets because of a larger budget, the film keeps true to its Indie origins. A few great sets, lots of outdoor locations, you can see where even with extra cash it was spent wisely. We don’t get lost in extravagance, instead we are treated to a very real-feeling practical world. And, a great helping of gore.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:35:05 — 87.1MB)

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It’s called a new interpretation of Vampire films. While that is very misleading, The Transfiguration is a fantastic film in viewing and lessons. It does involve the topic of vampires, but it is a deep exploration of a troubled young man. The lessons are high-end. The technical aspects are spot-on at each level. The performances were great, but there is little dialogue. The true mastery is the writing and direction, where we see how to effectively bring a low-dialogue story to an audience. Also, we discuss our upcoming guesting on Talking Pondo, with our friends Cliff and Marty. This will air on 8/31. When you’re done here give them a listen.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:54:31 — 104.8MB)

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This podcast is about lessons, and Scream of the Blind Dead has a whole bunch of them. From beginning to end it is chock full of lessons on what not to do. When we were searching for the next movie for the show we stumbled on this and it looked like an earnest effort from the trailer, so we threw it on. What we did not know was that this film was under forty minutes. So effectively, a short feature or short film. The one positive note on this is that someone wanted to make it, and they did. Beyond that it lacks structure, story, clarity. No dialogue. Modeled after characters created by Amando de Ossorio, a prominent figure in the 1970’s Spanish horror boom, it does not bring nostalgia as much as it brings in laborious counting of how not to make a film.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:01 — 54.9MB)

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Dinner in America was suggested by our friends Clif and Marty of Pondo Enterprises. Took a while to finally get to it, but it was worth the wait. The technical lessons are very simple and short; it did it all right. Where we break things down beings with the characters. A fantastic example of bringing depth to what should be simple characters. Often in Indie films and even B-movies, simple characters are taken for granted. Dinner in America gives us some deep looks, all through a comedic lens, and these two primary characters connect with the viewer all through the film. The pacing is steady. Where the film shines is the excellent writing and acting coming together. The plot is simple but takes us on a grand journey. Very similar to films like Gentlemen Broncos, Napoleon Dynamite, Local Hero, where you feel like you are right there as these characters grow. It also goes without saying that this is probably one of the best films depicting the punk rock lifestyle and attitude without overdoing it.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:37:36 — 89.4MB)

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We are lucky to be able to speak to the creator of Robotica Destructiva, Sam Gaffin, and actor Kristal Theron who played Luna. Once again we find ourselves in a fantastic conversation with two incredible creatives.  We learn how random encounters can lead to a steady friendship and filmmaking. Sam gives us some insight into the evolution of Robotica Destructiva, Kristal shares what it’s like to work on a green screen film. And from there we have a fantastically fun talk. Be sure to check out the following films and links:

The Killer Robots and the Battle for the Cosmic Potato

The Killer Robots! Crash and Burn

I Am Robot You Are Not! (TV Series)

Wrath of the Minitaur

Sam Gaffin: Electro Psycho Transmutation Cop

Zombie Debra

Robotica Destructiva

Rubber Nose Massacre

Werewolf Summer

The Boar Knight

https://www.youtube.com/@samgaffin

https://www.youtube.com/@thekillerrobots 

https://www.instagram.com/thespellchecc

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:02:08 — 111.8MB)

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It has been far too long since we have had Tucky Williams on the show. This interview we celebrate a milestone for Tucky’s film Girl-Girl Scene 1984. Then we get into some great conversations on filmmaking, catching up, post-pandemic filmmaking, and more. Always a delight to speak with, Tucky gives some point-blank views on everything from indie film to daily life. If this is your first time listening to Tucky we encourage you to reach back into our episodes and dive into the first two interviews we have had with her. Especially if you’re looking for something upbeat.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:36:14 — 88.1MB)

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Wallace Peebles: Paranormal Inspectre is a good example of how comedy can have a very narrow appeal.  We thought the trailer was sufficiently entertaining to take this one on for the show.  In the end it was just not for us.  Not our kind of humor.  There are some very valuable lessons that the movie has to offer.  Pacing being the most important among them.  Technically the film is sound.  Even with a solid technical foundation, the poor writing, puerile humor, and some unfortunate if not offensive choices make this a nearly unbearable watch.  In the end, this movie may be enjoyed by some folks, that’s how movies are.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:17:20 — 70.8MB)

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Robotica Destructiva is a great movie, one that is truly a labor of love. It is a primary lesson in what we keep saying, Make your movies! Similar to Manborg, which we covered in the past, it is live action against a green screen world of renderings and compositing. Costume design is great, the look of the movie is very comic oriented, and at no point is it lost on you the amount of work building the digital worlds. Our only issues are with the modulation of the android voices, which most of the time makes it difficult to understand what is being said, and the pacing. It is fast. Non-stop speed all the way through. If watched without taking notes it may not have been so difficult to keep up, but in general audiences do enjoy a pause here and there to soak things in before the next action sequence. For note taking purposes, the speed was just too fast. All in all, this should be watched for both lessons and entertainment.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:53 — 66.7MB)

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The Hero is a great film full of top-notch lessons. We follow Lee, an aged Western film star who has been riding the tail-end of his career for some time. With work only coming in the form of commercial voice-overs, Lee does not have much to look forward to. With a dire diagnosis, Lee starts to take inventory of his life, his situation, and what having a future really means. The cast ensemble is amazing. With Sam Elliott leading the charge, Laura Prepon, Kyrsten Ritter, and Nick Offerman join in for an incredible experience. Primary lesson in this episode is show don’t tell. So much incredible voiceless acting, with strong direction and constant movement it makes for a great watch and something to aspire to in filmmaking and writing.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:38:30 — 90.2MB)

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This episode we confront The G, a thriller starring Dale Dickey. An elderly woman and her husband are immorally thrust into a care center under the ‘care’ of a guardian. The message of the movie confronts a terrible reality of what can only be called a form of elder abuse, but judges and the court system granting guardianship over elderly folks who have no say in the matter. The G, Dickey’s character, reaches out to some darker family connections to exact revenge on her guardian and his minions. Our only criticism about this film is how it was presented in the trailer and other media. We were expecting a balls-out ass-kicking ride of retaliation, but that never came. Overall we liked the movie and it has some great lessons, we just wish it had been presented a little closer to its true form.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:34:36 — 86.6MB)

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PLEASE see the list below if you are dealing with trauma and you need help. That is the primary lesson behind this episode. Saint Bernard is a fantastic art-film that takes us on the downward spiral of Bernard, an orchestra conductor who is overcome by trauma. The visuals in this movie are stunning, uncomfortable, emotional. There is very little dialogue. On the technical side everything about this film is a valuable lesson. All of it. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely a movie you will not forget if you watch it.  Listen up and decide for yourself.

If you are suffering through trauma please, please make use of one of the numbers below. If you know someone who is suffering, take this list of numbers and make the call with that person. No one should ever have to handle it alone. You are not alone.

Trauma Support Numbers (USA):

In case of emergency dial 911

In case of mental health crisis dial 988

National Mental Health Hotline: 866-903-3787

Child Sexual Abuse. Stop It Now! Phone: 1-888-PREVENT (1-888-773-8368)

National Center for Victims of Crime. Phone: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)

Dating Abuse. Love is Respect. Phone: 1-866-331-9474, TTY: 1-866-331-8453, or Text LOVEIS TO 22522

National Domestic Violence Hotline. Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233), TTY: 1-800-787-3224

Missing and Abducted Children. Phone: 1-800-I-AM-LOST (1-800-426-5678), or National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Phone: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

Rape and Sexual Abuse. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

Runaway and Homeless Youth. National Runaway Safeline. Phone: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929), or Text: 66008

Suicide Prevention. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), TTY: 1-800-799 4889

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:41:17 — 92.7MB)

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Yes, it’s another shark horror this episode.  Doll Shark is brought to life by the very same group that gave us Camp Blood: Clown Shark, which we covered in the last episode.  The stuffed plushy Doll Shark is cute, and gives a couple of good laughs.  The lighting is way off kilter.  The script is just as loose and meandering.   The story is yet again seemingly a mishmash of random things thrown together with a stuffed shark in the frame.  The lessons are once again way more what NOT to do than what to do.  The watch was painful, and the craftwork from A-Z is just bad.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:45:04 — 96.2MB)

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Camp Blood: Clown Shark has so much going for it in the name.  It was a wild concept but the writing choked out the wild and gave us instead bleh.  The ridiculous special effects are the key factor in keeping up the fun of watching.  The plot holes and deviations help to exercise your brain as you try to figure out what in the hell is going on.  Unfortunately at the end of the ride all you get is some befuddlement over the plot and unanswered questions.  Lessons are mixed in this one, but probably a little more leaning on the what not to do of it all.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:41:50 — 93.2MB)

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Strap in B-siders.  Christmas Bloodbath is a frustratingly wild ride.  It does take place during Christmas, and there is a bath, but there is not a lot of blood. We dive into this earnest effort Indie film that gives us puppets, obscure plot devices, endless narration, and a whole lot of stuff that just does not make sense. There are some positive points to be made, but overall seeing this more than once is a labor. We clocked in two and a half views, which is more than enough for a lifetime. Lessons, laughs, and more lessons.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:39:46 — 91.3MB)

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Interview with Eric Miller – Episode 177

Continuing the train of interviews, we talk with Eric Miller, author of the book Whatever Happened to Uncle Ed, screenwriter for Ice Spiders, Night Skies, Swamp Shark, Mask Maker, and so much more.  Join us for a very fun, very informative talk about his work, experiences, some funny stories, and just a full-on nerd fest for writing and movies. Also be sure to check him out on IMDB, his website, and his new book on Amazon.

https://www.ericmillerwrites.com

https://www.amazon.com/Whatever-Happened-Uncle-Eric-Miller/dp/B0DTF5LVHW/

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:45:37 — 96.7MB)

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Once again we have friend Hilton Ariel Ruiz on the show to do some catching up on things. We talk about how the pandemic changed filmmaking for him, indie film, and possible futures. There is a lot of great advice in here. We also talk with Hilton on changes to FilmHub and how these kinds of changes will make it more difficult for new Indie filmmakers in an already complicated business. Come and dive in for the fun and follow along as Hilton has to move from room to room in his house while we chat.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:34:45 — 86.7MB)

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We have the pleasure of speaking with Michael Dahan, writer and director of Yes Repeat No. Please join us as we discuss a number of things ranging from filmmaking, identity, and the politics of wanting to help a people but staying out of it. It is a very heartfelt and frank conversation. Michael’s journey from concept to completion of the movie is a fantastic listen. We thoroughly enjoyed this talk and we think you will as well.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:42:38 — 94.0MB)

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Yes Repeat No is an amazing film to start off 2026. Written and directed by Michael Dahan, this experimental film is about three actors auditioning for the role of Palestinian-Jewish actor and activist Juliano Mer-Khamis. The film is amazing, but we could not cover it using our regular beat-by-beat formula. Instead, we give some bits and pieces of the film’s progression but we talk more about the technical aspects of the film. And politics. You will not be able to watch this movie without delving into politics, and that’s good. The lessons are abundant, but more importantly we talk about how art can deliver a message that reaches you through the deep recesses of emotion and thought. Amazing film, amazing lessons. 2026 should yield more movies like this.

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#bravoforthebside #bmovie #bmovies #indie #independentfilm #indiefilm #screenwriting #filmmaking #movies #independentfilmmaker #directing #producing #acting #yesrepeatno #michaeldahan #julianomerkhamis #experimental #drama #amazingfilm  @ApplePodcasts

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:32:06 — 84.3MB)

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For our End of the Year Retrospective, we decided this year to cover the history of the Horror genre. You all know what ridiculously huge horror fans we are, so it was about time to discuss this magical genre. We cover the first horror film, first Christmas horror film, changes by decade, and a lot more. At the end, Jim gives everyone a piece of advice. You should listen to it. This will be the last episode for 2025 as Jim takes the rest of the month for his recovery. We will be back in 2026, just a few weeks away. CREATE!

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:48:23 — 99.2MB)

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While the name is simple, Thanksgiving is a solid bit of holiday horror. In the pantheon of holiday horror films the turkey eating holiday is the most overlooked. The gore is satisfying and the killings come at a fairly decent rate. The chief downside provides important lessons for writers. The primary is backstory. Often unnecessary for redshirts we get a lot of it being thrust in our faces that wastes time and is frustrating in its poor timing and irrelevant information. Other than a couple of missteps like that it was a fun watch and just as fun to discuss.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:40:45 — 92.2MB)

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Far too long has passed since we’ve talked with Kyle Hester. Join us for a magnificent conversation about the upcoming release of his latest film Preacher 6, his documentaries, the evolution of Indie filmmaking, and more. Kyle talks about the ups and downs of the journey of making Preacher 6, battling the pandemic, and how Just Keep Going is the key phrase we should all practice. We also talk about his wife Tracy’s new book release and Kickstarter for her next novel.  Look below for links to Kyle and Tracy’s sites, socials, and so on. Sit back and listen to one of the most upbeat and genuine people in the business. We loved this conversation, and think you will as well.

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Kyle’s Links

https://bsky.app/profile/kylehester.bsky.social

https://pickrelay.com/t/8gkr-id6r/haunted-lake-lanier

Tracys kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/msdshollywood/magic-spells-delivery-service-book-one-hollywood

13 short Horror Stories for Bedtime.

https://a.co/d/ijcqBy7

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:53 — 63.1MB)

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Long on our list, the Asylum version of Sherlock from 2010 was finally pushed to the top. Way back before the podcast started we found this hidden deep down the rabbit hole. Dani loves Sherlock Holmes, and when you pair him with a T-rex, I mean come on. Unfortunately the T-rex went from awesome to burdensome. There are plenty of issues here, but as always meaningful lessons can be found within. We do love Asylum films, as ridiculous as they are, because at the end of it all they are fun to watch. We have said before, having people say your film was fun to watch is the goal.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:46:50 — 97.8MB)

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Another find during bedrest, I. Madman is a late eighties mild horror that fits the period and genre perfectly. A woman finds herself terrorized by a character from a strange book. Sounds pretty simple, and it is. The film overall is a fun watch. Inundated with late eighties filmmaking techniques and a fast-paced storyline, for the most part, there are some good lessons here. The writing could have used a go-over, the editing is not tight, but we do have some good lessons that can elevate your work. Not the least of which is; having a caped villain running through traffic is timeless and magical.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:48:43 — 99.5MB)

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An excellent surprise, Forgive Us All was a delight to watch and dissect. We have so many good lessons from this film that we go over. Forgive Us All is another take on the zombie genre, one that is near and dear to our hearts. Going more to the route of Infected rather than zombies, this movie tells the story in precise, crisp, efficient writing, of a survivor named Rory who is looking for meaning in her life. Having suffered tragedy on the onset of the apocalypse, she wonders why surviving even matters. There is no fat to trim away from this film. With a brilliant combination of writing, direction, cinematography, and post work, we are given a very intimate feeling ride through tragedy within tragedy, and hope.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:39:31 — 91.1MB)

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You can only go so long before your curiosity gets the best of you. With no less than three Popeye films that hit in 2025 we had to take a dive. We settled on Popeye’s Revenge based on trailers, of which none were truly gripping. We dive into this dumpster fire attempt to capitalize on the expiration of copyright on old, beloved cartoon characters. We posit the script was done by AI, and the director may as well have been AI too. There are a couple of good lessons here, a couple, but the rest is a sorely disappointing run of missed opportunities, poor writing, nonsensical story, and actors who just did not have a chance to show their chops with this awful material. Spoiler, we watched another Popeye film after this one, Shiver Me Timbers, and it was not any better.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00:46 — 110.6MB)

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This week we’ve taken on Wrath of Dracula, starring the fantastic Hannaj Bang-Benz. There was certainly some money behind this independent film, but Wrath of Dracula was lacking on some areas. The actors were great, and there are a lot of fantastic lessons that all Indie filmmakers should tap into. There are, unfortunately, some lessons on what not to do.  Among them – writing pitfalls. If you’re going to have a story about Dracula, you should probably invite him to the story. More on that inside.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:46:15 — 97.3MB)

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We have discussed documentaries here and there over the years, but we have never done an episode on them. The wait is over. Documentaries are a fantastic way to break into Indie filmmaking. There are some basics in planning a documentary that we discuss, but you are relieved of having to write a feature script, casting actors, and your equipment needs are minimal. Compared to a feature production, a documentary is far less expensive to get your feet wet in the sea of filmmaking. We discuss some documentaries that we have seen recently, and we have seen a lot of them, as examples of what and what not to do when creating your own. The bottom line is follow your passion or interest, share it with everyone.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:59:22 — 109.3MB)

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It was a cult classic that started in 1987, and in 2024 it was redone by director/writer Ryan Kruger. Street Trash kept a lot of the 80s vibe, music, and practical effects. While the cinematic lessons are all positive, the more important lesson is how to analyze an older film for its ability to be remade in modern times. Not all films or their message will translate to modern sensibilities. Street Trash, however, holds a statement that unfortunately still fits today. Ryan’s take on the older film gives us a fun, gross, splat-filled practical effect bonanza. Before all of that, Jim goes on a pretty heartfelt rant starting with a failed actor and the sad, tragic trajectory of Superman in films.  Because, why not.

Street Trash can be found on Tubi

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:55:29 — 105.7MB)

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For the fourth time in the run of our show, we talk with our friend David Ryan Keith.  Writer/director of Primal Games, I Am Rage, Redwood Massacre, Redwood Massacre 2: Annihilation, Ghosts of Darkness, and Attack of the Herbals, David once again talks candidly with us about his latest film Primal Games, making films, marketing, distribution, all of the fun stuff. A key lesson we discuss is that no matter how much passion and heart you have, at the end of the day this is a business and has to be treated as such. Join us for another delightful conversation with David and enjoy quite a bit of laughter.

Check David’s work at Clear Focus Movies

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:06:07 — 115.5MB)

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The trailer was intriguing, it had all the marks of a true earnest effort film.  However, Flesh missed the mark in nearly every category. Lessons for this film are mostly what not to do.  From writing, directing, lighting, sound, story, plot, character development, you name it, Flesh is absent the very basic tenets of making a feature film. Jim talks about the vast difference between an idea and a story, and how Flesh centered around an idea but never gave us a story.

Flesh can be found on Tubi.

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It has been a while since we’ve covered Lowell Dean’s work, and Die Alone was worth the wait. With a high budget for an Indie film, Die Alone does not waste it anywhere. The story and writing are solid, acting is top notch, and like any good movie we found ourselves talking about it after the credits rolled. It is a very different take on the zombie genre. It has been tricky as of late to make a successful reimagining of a zombie film, bot Lowell nailed it. Like his other films, Die Alone just drips with Lowell’s skill and vision. There are a number of lessons that we cover on this one. It’s a fantastic watch, not just for the lessons but also for taking in an excellent story and brilliant production value.

Die Alone can be found on Tubi.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:45:52 — 96.9MB)

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There was so much anticipation for Graveyard Shark, but instead of delivering the expected fun it ended up being the third film we just could not finish. Maybe this movie will appeal to some. There are still some good lessons to be taken away from this movie, but the bad far outweighs the good. Low-budget Indies are often wrought with limits on sound production, filming, acting, all kinds of things. Those aren’t necessarily bad, but Graveyard Shark looked and felt lazy. The writing was atrocious, directing non-existent, multiple levels of issues with sound, coloring, almost across the board are lessons on not what to do when making a film. The practical suit for Graveyard Shark, however, was baller.

Graveyard Shark can be found on Tubi.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:22:12 — 75.3MB)

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Primal Games was a long journey to get to screen. Written and directed by David Ryan Keith, this film marks his first full action film. We follow Ben and Sarah on their honeymoon camping trip that quickly turns dark. They become prey to a sadistic hunter, and from there it spirals into a wild version of The Most Dangerous Game. A lot of talking points here for lessons, not the least of which is how to keep an action film entertaining without bogging it down with needless plot points and protracted story. Another excellent movie by David and crew, it really shines with fantastic lessons. It’s also just a great watch.

Primal Games can be rented or purchased on various platforms.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:39:16 — 90.9MB)

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Welcome to Willits gives us aliens, meth, fun-seeking youngsters, and Dolph Lundgren. That’s a lot to take in, and going into the movie none of it is terribly clear until it unfolds as you watch. A fairly high-budget indie film, Welcome to Willits gives some good examples on how to have fun with horror. Funny dialogue, unhinged characters, and solid production value provide lessons on where to focus to make an enjoyable film. We don’t know that this will make any Top Of lists but it certainly fun to watch and we tackle a few good lessons.

Welcome to Willits can be found on Tubi.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:39:36 — 91.2MB)

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Watching Come As You Are is a fairly chill, fun road trip film. The trailer for the film did not over-deliver, which is refreshing. The writing is quick, funny, and intimate. On a technical level the film hits the marks straight across the board. The acting is fantastic, with each actor bringing various levels of intensity and humor throughout. One of the standout lessons for screenwriting is the dialogue. It is fast, slowing only to match the moment here and there. Witty and clean, you feel like you’re in the conversation most of the time.

Come As You Are can be found on Tubi. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:28:01 — 80.6MB)

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Biosphere, not to be confused with Bio-Dome, kind of took us by surprise. Mostly because we didn’t remember the trailer, so it was like going in blind. That made it all the more fun. With Sterling K Brown and Mark Duplass on screen the entire movie, there is no lack of presence. A post-apocalyptic bit about two men surviving in a small biosphere, Biosphere makes you feel right at home with the characters. The camera work is intimate, the writing is natural, and the plot will fire up thinking processes you would never expect watching a light comedy. While science fiction, this film keeps itself grounded. Many good filmmaking lessons here, as well as a great watch.

Biosphere can be found on IFC.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:23:39 — 76.6MB)

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Without Name takes us into an ancient Irish forest where surveyor Eric finds himself combatting not just his frail home life, an affair, odd locals, a company with ambiguous intentions, but also the ancient spirit of the forest itself. A slow burn psychological horror, Without Name is visually stunning but only middling on the acting. Some great use of camera techniques and sound use are at the front of the lessons to be learned here. With a fairly broad mix of reviews – love it or hate it kind of thing – it is a worthy watch, and you can decide on which side you fall.

Without Name can be found on Tubi.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:36:16 — 88.1MB)

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STOP! Before you do anything else, watch this movie! Seriously. In this episode we go on about Give Me Liberty as if we were singing a love song. Jim considers this the most beautiful movie he has ever seen. Give Me Liberty is a masterpiece of writing, acting, cinematography, directing, and chaos. There is so much about this film that is inspiring on all of the technical levels it is a must see for any new filmmaker. Watch this movie, then listen as we hit on so many terrific points of excellent filmmaking.

Give Me Liberty can be found on Tubi.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:50:20 — 101.0MB)

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We could not resist this one. Death Riders was the answer to Jim’s desire to find a true labor and grit Indie film, since it’s been a while. A mid-90s biker culture movie, Death Riders takes us on some kind of journey with the protagonist through the weird web of a biker gang, a lone biker Yoda, and a bunch of random characters. It was a lot of fun to talk about, delivered just what you’d expect from this kind of film. A lot of talk about the basics of filmmaking, such as story, writing, dialogue, direction, sound, you name it really. At the end of the day it’s a movie someone wanted to make, and they did. 

Death Riders can be found on Tubi.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:44:47 — 95.9MB)

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Monolith is a single location, one actor film that nails it pretty much across the board. We thoroughly enjoyed this movie and there is nothing but excellent lessons throughout. A high-concept film, we have dubbed it a horror-thriller, Monolith is one of the most engaging single-person movies we have come across. A unique concept, fantastic technical prowess, and an amazing actor all converge to create a film that made us feel we were with her rather than watching her. It had a larger budget than most Indie films, but the lessons apply to any budget level.

Monolith can be found in IFC.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:36:00 — 87.9MB)

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Sometimes there are movies that bomb out from the start, but miraculously find a fanbase years later.  Troll 2 is one such film. A bad movie by all accounts, this poorly written, poorly acted, lifelessly directed debacle is hard to watch. Yet, over the years it has found cult classic status, with regular group showings and gatherings. We put off covering Troll 2 for a very long time because we knew just what we were going to have to endure. This is not an easy watch the first time around, and the second or more times are just grueling. We do have some positive lessons buried in this film. Strap in for the ride on this one.

Troll 2 can be found on Tubi.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:53:57 — 104.3MB)

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Pontypool is another sleeper.  When Jim saw it back in 2008 he wasn’t sure what to make of it.  After watching it a few more times he decided he liked it.  A lot.  Pontypool is a magnificent example of budget-conscious planning.  We talk about the use of just one location, inside, coupled with a great script, makes you feel you are in the middle of the apocalypse without even looking out of a window.  Great cast, and a fantastic concept of how a zombie virus could spread makes this a winner at all levels.  Nothing to pick at here, it’s a great ride and great technical film.

Pontypool can be found on IFC. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:40:04 — 91.6MB)

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Stitches is an Irish horror film production, with a fair amount of comedy strewn in. It has been on our list a long time, and we thoroughly enjoyed the rewatch. The story is simple, Stitches the clown gets killed at a kids party, and sometime later rises from the dead to finish the job. With a decent budget the technical aspects like sound, lighting, coloring, and everything else are great. The practical effects lean towards the comedy, but there is no shortage of blood. Stitches is another film with top examples of what to strive for when making a film.  We loved talking about this film, and will undoubtedly watch it again in the future.

Stitches can be found on Tubi. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:29:11 — 81.6MB)

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Digging for Fire was something of a sleeper for us. We explain what that means in the episode. What we can say is that this is a solid movie. There are a number of lessons in this one, all good. Except for the trailer. Very misleading, and coupled with the very brief logline it may turn people away. Which is a shame because if you skip past this film  you’re missing out on some very good entertainment. There is a lot to enjoy and learn from in this movie. 

Digging for Fire can be found on FilmRise.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:52:20 — 102.8MB)

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As we end this year, we pay tribute to Oscar Micheaux, an amazing black film producer/director/writer and independent studio owner. Starting in silent films, and going to ‘talkies’ when they arrived on the scene, Oscar Micheaux challenged racism, classism, stereotypes, and other social injustices long before current writers and directors. His movies and message were direct, and called out the poor behavior on everyone’s part with simple, clean stories. A number of his films are lost to time, so far, but those that have survived are works of art that every social-message artist should needs to see.  Jim and Dani cover Oscar’s life and his works. Also discussed is the bravery and conviction Oscar Micheaux had to stay true to himself and his message in the early to mid 1900s.

Places to learn more about Oscar Micheaux and see his films:

Filmography 

https://archive.org/details/oscar-micheaux-filmography/6+The+Exile+(1931)+First+Black+Feature+Talkie.mp4

Committee

https://www.micheaux.org/oscar-micheaux

Reference

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Oscar-Micheaux

https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/film-and-television-biographies/oscar-micheaux

https://daily.jstor.org/how-oscar-micheaux-challenged-the-racism-of-early-hollywood/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:53:10 — 103.6MB)

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The kudos for Hereditary were many, but we had trouble figuring out where they came from.  We were very excited to watch Hereditary but once again that excitement was left unfulfilled. With stars like Toni Collette and Gabriel Byrne, and a very high budget as an indie film, this should have been a home run. Instead it serves to show that even with millions in budget and A-list talent to bolster an indie project, the writing is where it begins and ends.  In this case, it did not really begin, it just ended. This episode Dani goes solo as Jim lost his voice a few weeks ago and still does not have it back. Dive in and listen to lessons on lost opportunities, such as set coloring, color grading, and original works.

Hereditary is for rent on several platforms.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:35 — 51.8MB)

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Back in August of 2021 we have the pleasure of having David Howard Thornton, also known as Art the Clown from the Terrifier franchise, join us for a good long conversation. David is such a wonderfully nice and amazing person we were thrilled to get to spend time with him. With the fame of Terrifier 3, we wanted to bring this way-back-when interview to share with everyone who may have missed it. We talk Art the Clown, horror, panhandlers, lockdown, and more. Dive in and enjoy what we think was a fantastic conversation with a fantastic actor.

Terrifier and Terrifier 2  can be found on multiple services.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:11:35 — 120.5MB)

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Buddymoon proves to be one of the best buddy films put to screen. We were thoroughly entertained as jilted at the alter David is guided on a heart-healing honeymoon by his best friend Flula. This film has plenty to offer in both lessons and aspirations. Excellent cinematography, sound, direction, pacing, and performances. After a few let-downs, Buddymoon was a welcome and fun ride. We have a lot of good to say in this episode.

Buddymoon can be found on Tubi.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:44:48 — 96.0MB)

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The trailer for Broadcast Signal Intrusion had us hooked. However, the film as a whole failed to deliver. The movie serves as a reminder that the foundations of storytelling are more important than the idea for a film. Broadcast Signal Intrusion is a convoluted, slow-moving, and at times annoying slog through a concept based on an actual event that took place in the late 80’s. There were some good points on the technical side, as well as some aspects that came across as lazy.

Broadcast Signal Intrusion can be found on Tubi.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:28:50 — 81.3MB)

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